Ford to Offer 'Pre-Collision' System

Ford will offer a new driver-assist system that will reduce the severity or eliminate some frontal collisions between its vehicles and pedestrians, the company announced.

The system, known as Pre-Collision Assist, will debut in Europe later this year on the 2015 Ford Mondeo. Ford will then begin offering the system on Ford and Lincoln vehicles in other global markets, including the U.S.

Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection uses radar and camera technology to scan the roadway ahead and warns the driver if it detects a collision risk with a vehicle or pedestrian. If the driver doesn't respond in time, the system can automatically apply up to full braking force to help reduce the severity of or even eliminate some frontal collisions, according to Ford.

Pre-Collision Assist may also help drivers avoid rear-end collisions with other vehicles at all speeds, while Pedestrian Detection can help the driver avoid pedestrians at lower speeds.

Other available Ford driver-assist technologies include a lane-keeping system with lane-keeping aid, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support, and active park assist.